explainer
South Africa’s National Orders: A Complete Guide
A guide to South Africa’s National Orders: the six Orders, what each recognises, how nominations work, award classes and notable recipients.
Articles
Source-linked explainers, history, analysis, current affairs and interviews from South African Index.
explainer
Order of Mapungubwe: History, Classes and Recipients
A guide to South Africa’s Order of Mapungubwe, including what it recognises, its four classes, symbolism, post-nominal letters and notable recipients.
explainer
Order of the Baobab: History, Classes and Recipients
A guide to South Africa’s Order of the Baobab, including the fields it recognises, its three classes, symbolism and notable recipients.
explainer
Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo: History, Classes and Recipients
A guide to South Africa’s Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo, awarded to eminent foreign nationals for friendship, solidarity and support.
explainer
Order of Luthuli: History, Classes and Recipients
A guide to South Africa’s Order of Luthuli, including what it recognises, its three classes, symbolism, post-nominal letters and recipients.
explainer
Order of Ikhamanga: History, Classes and Recipients
A guide to South Africa’s Order of Ikhamanga, awarded for achievement in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
explainer
Order of Mendi for Bravery: History, Classes and Recipients
A guide to South Africa’s Order of Mendi for Bravery, including the SS Mendi connection, award classes, symbolism and recipient criteria.
explainer
Who Founded Capitec?
Capitec Bank was established in 2001. Michiel le Roux served as its founding chief executive, while Riaan Stassen became the key builder of the bank’s early operating model and growth.
history
Who Founded Shoprite — and Who Built It?
Shoprite’s modern growth story began with the acquisition of an existing eight-store chain in 1979. Whitey Basson did not create those original stores, but he led the group from 1979 and built it through expansion and acquisitions.
explainer
The Entrepreneurs Behind South Africa’s Major Banks
A sourced guide to the founders and company builders behind Capitec, Rand Merchant Bank and FirstRand, and why the difference between a founder and a later builder matters.
history
The Founders Who Built South African Retail
Raymond Ackerman founded Pick n Pay; Stewart Cohen and Laurie Chiappini co-founded Mr Price; Whitey Basson built Shoprite after an existing chain was acquired. Their histories show why “founder” is not one universal category.
analysis
South African Company Builders: Founders, Builders and Corporate Transformations
South Africa’s best-known company histories include clean start-ups, spin-offs, acquisitions and later transformations. This guide separates founders from executives who built existing companies into new institutions.
explainer
South Africa’s Gas Cliff: LNG Companies and 2030 Risk
South Africa’s gas shortage risk explained: the gas cliff, Mozambique supply, Sasol’s 2030 bridge, Richards Bay LNG companies and key project deadlines.